What Happens to Your Smile When You Skip Teeth Brushing

Do you know the risks that affect your oral health when you don’t brush your teeth? If not, we invite you to become more informed on the dangers of skipping brushing your teeth by reviewing this post.

While it may seem harmless occasionally to go to bed or leave for work in the morning without brushing your teeth, each missed opportunity for teeth brushing allows the buildup of harmful plaque on your teeth, leading to a heightened risk of tooth decay. In fact, if your teeth feel sticky, filmy, or fuzzy right now, it means your teeth are being affected by plaque that, if not removed, can lead to tartar and tooth decay. Tartar can also irritate the gums and cause gum disease.

While you aren’t guaranteed to suffer a mouthful of cavities after skipping brushing your teeth once, the more you do it, the more you can develop plaque, and we encourage you to never skip teeth brushing if possible. Brushing for two minutes twice a day goes a long way in preventing bacteria and plaque, as well as reducing the risk of cavities, freshening your breath, and brightening your smile.

If for some reason you are unable to use a toothbrush or toothpaste, you can improve your oral hygiene temporarily by rinsing with mouthwash, chewing sugar-free gum, or sucking on a breath mint. Keep in mind, though, that there is no real substitute for brushing your teeth.

To learn more about why teeth brushing matters in Shelby Township, Michigan, contact Ray N McKinley DDS PC at 586-685-0880 today and speak with our dentists, Dr. McKinley and Dr. McKinley-Holloway. We hope to hear from you soon!